Delicious pasta recipe with chicken breast and tomato sauce
*A simple, quick, and flavorful dish, perfect for evenings when you want to impress without too much effort.*
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Introduction
Who hasn't faced an evening when culinary inspiration seems to be lacking? This pasta recipe with chicken breast and tomato sauce is the perfect solution! With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, you'll get a tasty and comforting dish. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted based on the ingredients available in your pantry.
A brief history
Pasta is a staple food in many cultures, with a rich history that spans thousands of years. Combined with chicken breast, this dish becomes not only filling but also high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta (preferably penne or fusilli)
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300-400 g)
- 200 g grated cheese (or mozzarella, if you prefer a softer texture)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons dried basil (or fresh, if available)
- 1-2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato juice (or tomato paste)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 onion
Step by step
1. Boil the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to flavor the pasta. When the water reaches a boiling point, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, until al dente.
2. Prepare the chicken breast
Meanwhile, cut the chicken breast into small cubes, about 2-3 cm. In a deep skillet, heat a few tablespoons of oil (olive oil or sunflower oil) over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and fry for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. This is when cooking becomes truly enjoyable, and the aroma will fill the entire kitchen!
4. Add the tomato sauce
To the sautéed onion and garlic, add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato juice, followed by a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. Mix well and let simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
5. Combine the ingredients
Add the chicken breast back to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Taste the sauce and adjust the spices to your preference.
6. Mix the pasta
When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet, mixing well to coat it evenly with the flavorful sauce.
7. Bake the dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the dish, leveling it out and sprinkling grated cheese on top.
8. Finalize
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Serve
Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot portions. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a slice of crusty bread.
Helpful tips
- You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for an extra boost of nutrients.
- If you like a creamier sauce, you can add 100 ml of cooking cream while preparing the sauce.
- Vary the type of cheese! Whether you choose a strong cheese or mozzarella, each option will add a different flavor to the dish.
Nutritional benefits
This recipe provides an excellent combination of carbohydrates from the pasta and protein from the chicken breast, making it a filling and nutritious dish. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant for health, while garlic has antimicrobial properties.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta adds extra fiber and is a healthier choice.
2. What can I use instead of chicken breast?
This recipe can also be adapted with turkey meat or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. How can I store leftovers?
The pasta can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2 days and can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet with a little water to rehydrate it.
4. What can I serve with the pasta?
A dry white wine or a fresh lemonade would be excellent combinations to complement the meal.
Personal notes
Every time I cook this recipe, I am reminded of the quiet evenings spent with family, when the tables were full of laughter and stories. I encourage you to personalize your recipe with your favorite spices and make it a part of your culinary traditions! Enjoy your meal!
*A simple, quick, and flavorful dish, perfect for evenings when you want to impress without too much effort.*
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Introduction
Who hasn't faced an evening when culinary inspiration seems to be lacking? This pasta recipe with chicken breast and tomato sauce is the perfect solution! With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, you'll get a tasty and comforting dish. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted based on the ingredients available in your pantry.
A brief history
Pasta is a staple food in many cultures, with a rich history that spans thousands of years. Combined with chicken breast, this dish becomes not only filling but also high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta (preferably penne or fusilli)
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300-400 g)
- 200 g grated cheese (or mozzarella, if you prefer a softer texture)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons dried basil (or fresh, if available)
- 1-2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato juice (or tomato paste)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 onion
Step by step
1. Boil the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to flavor the pasta. When the water reaches a boiling point, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, until al dente.
2. Prepare the chicken breast
Meanwhile, cut the chicken breast into small cubes, about 2-3 cm. In a deep skillet, heat a few tablespoons of oil (olive oil or sunflower oil) over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and fry for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. This is when cooking becomes truly enjoyable, and the aroma will fill the entire kitchen!
4. Add the tomato sauce
To the sautéed onion and garlic, add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato juice, followed by a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. Mix well and let simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
5. Combine the ingredients
Add the chicken breast back to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Taste the sauce and adjust the spices to your preference.
6. Mix the pasta
When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet, mixing well to coat it evenly with the flavorful sauce.
7. Bake the dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the dish, leveling it out and sprinkling grated cheese on top.
8. Finalize
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Serve
Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot portions. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a slice of crusty bread.
Helpful tips
- You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for an extra boost of nutrients.
- If you like a creamier sauce, you can add 100 ml of cooking cream while preparing the sauce.
- Vary the type of cheese! Whether you choose a strong cheese or mozzarella, each option will add a different flavor to the dish.
Nutritional benefits
This recipe provides an excellent combination of carbohydrates from the pasta and protein from the chicken breast, making it a filling and nutritious dish. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant for health, while garlic has antimicrobial properties.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta adds extra fiber and is a healthier choice.
2. What can I use instead of chicken breast?
This recipe can also be adapted with turkey meat or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. How can I store leftovers?
The pasta can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2 days and can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet with a little water to rehydrate it.
4. What can I serve with the pasta?
A dry white wine or a fresh lemonade would be excellent combinations to complement the meal.
Personal notes
Every time I cook this recipe, I am reminded of the quiet evenings spent with family, when the tables were full of laughter and stories. I encourage you to personalize your recipe with your favorite spices and make it a part of your culinary traditions! Enjoy your meal!